Here's a breakdown:
* First 2 weeks: The puppies are completely dependent on their mother's milk for nutrition and should be nursing frequently.
* Weeks 3-4: The puppies start to explore solid food.
* Weeks 5-6: Puppies start to eat solid food more frequently and will transition to eating primarily solid food.
* Weeks 6-8: Puppies are usually weaned and no longer need their mother's milk.
Important factors to consider:
* Breed: Larger breeds may wean their puppies a little later than smaller breeds.
* Individual puppies: Some puppies may wean earlier or later than others based on their individual development.
* Mother's health: If the mother dog is not producing enough milk or has health problems, the puppies may need to be weaned earlier.
* Puppy's health: Puppies with health problems may need to be weaned earlier.
Consult a veterinarian:
It's always best to consult a veterinarian about the best weaning schedule for your specific dog breed and situation.